Le Diamant

a radiant space combining heritage and modernity

Le Diamant 1 / 22 informations

Project
A new auditorium and creative studios for Robert Lepage + Ex-Machina
Year
2019
Location
Quebec City
Joint venture with
Coarchitecture
Jacques Plante Architecte
Consultants
Tetra Tech, structure
Dupras-Ledoux / Ambioner, mechanical
Trizart, scenography
WSP, acoustic
Awards
International Grand Prize, Grand Prix du Design, 2021
People's Choice Award for Architectural Merit, Quebec City, 2021
Cecobois Excellence Award [Interior Design], 2021
Project of the Year, Canadian Interiors Best of Canada Awards, 2020
Jury Prize, Architzer A+, 2020
Excellence Award OAQ [Cultural Building Category], 2020
Photographic credit
Stéphane Groleau
Links
Le Diamant: Programming
New images of Le Diamant by Robert Lepage
Catalogue of Canadian Competitions

challenges
Between the Second Empire styled heritage facades of a former YMCA (built in 1879) and the immensity of a new polyvalent auditorium (625 seats) with cutting edge stage technology, space needed to be created within an enclaved site, in order to allow each of these two distinct architectural entities to coexist.

proposal
The decision to diagonally cut into the existing conditions ensures the uncompromising materialization of a new centre for multidisciplinary creation and dissemination, and allows for the integration of this new semi-public space into the geometry of the urban fabric. A triangular interstitial void which rises the full height of the old building acts as a place of light and of life, and catalyst for the dispersion of diverse publics into Place d’Youville, the city’s cultural hub. The creation of such a volume allows the two elements – heritage building and auditorium/creative studio – to fully exist and mutually contribute to their respective appropriation by audiences and the Diamond’s team.

A cultural and civic showcase, the Diamond illuminates the Place d’Youville, where the audience experience commences. Its glass volume hints at the activities taking place behind the restored facade of the YMCA. The contrast between the somber entrances and the bright heart of the building accentuates the call to the light, and attracts the visitor towards the monumetal staircase which carries him/her to the main floor (piano nobile). The stroll continues into the vast glass lobby (foyer) overlooking the city, before terminating in the auditorium, where the memory of the place reappears on the black side walls engraved with the moldings of the YMCA’s facade.

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